Rideau Canal, Ottawa

Home to the world's largest skating rink, Rideau Canal has earned World Heritage Site status as North America's oldest operational canal system. Connecting the cities of Ottawa and Kingston, the waterway stretches just over 200 km (124 mi) and forms two waterfalls at the spot where it empties into the Ottawa River. Popular with boaters during the summer months, in the winter the canal draws thousands of revelers to its 7 km (4.5 mi) rink. Along the skateway, dozens of food kiosks offer warm beverages and freshly prepared beavertails, a tasty fried dough. With our online itinerary creator, Ottawa attractions like Rideau Canal can be center stage of your vacation plans, and you can find out about other attractions like it, unlike it, near it, and miles away.

Nice place for the ride. Nice view on the Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River...

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By rknack2017On November 5, 2017

This has so much history while your in Ottawa take a few hours to spend walking around the Rideau Canal in winter you can skate on the canal summer well worth taking a river cruise and hear about the ...
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By Karen GOn November 5, 2017

Just finished my run today. The canal is quite nice. If you go from downtown to the lake, it is about 10k. If you loop the small lake, it will add a few more kms. This is a popular spot for locals and...
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Where to stay in Ottawa

For the best access to restaurants and shops, stay in the historic central neighborhood of ByWard Market, where you can choose from a range of comfortable hotels. Options also abound just south of the canal in Centretown, where you can enjoy easy access to the best attractions in Ottawa. You can explore the city's diverse heritage by staying in one of its many cultural hubs--Chinatown, Little Italy, and Quartier Vanier offer a distinctive taste of China, Italy, and France respectively.